Live recording question before I give in and buy a MZ-RH1

[Bullet1979]

Ok, so I've gone from a MZ-R55 to a MZ-RH910 which I've used for the past 10-15 shows that I've gone to and now I think I want to upgrade to the RH1. My main concern though is the lack of external battery attachment for the RH1.

In the past, neither recorder is even close to impressive when recording with a mic (especially plug-in powered) without the external battery case. The battery life estimates from the manufacturer and on the minidisc.org equipment browser are WAY more than I've ever achieved with said recorders (MZ-R55 would get 45 minutes tops using gum battery).

So - to those who have used the RH1 to record at live shows and such: Is it true that the RH1 can last at least a few hours on it's own battery without the need for a battery attachment? My absolute worst nightmare is running out of battery at a show and I really really want the replies to be a resounding yes that it will last. I just have to be sure if I'm going to be spending $350-400 on one.

Thanks for any input!

[boojum]

I recorded two and one-half hours on the internal battery, no problem. However, I now use a Macally IP-A481 LiIon battery pack which can theoretically power recording some 20 Hi-MD's. I always use it as it gives me huge peace of mind. The Macally charges from your USB port or from the RH1 charger. I normally have the Macally plugged into the charger and then plug the RH1 into it. On a recording session, I plug the RH1 into the Macally so that the RH1 knows the Macally is there. The other way 'round does not always work.

There is a double AA cell charger available for ~US$16 - 20 here and there. I do not plan to be so far away from a USB port that I would want something like this.

The RH1 is very sweet.

Edited February 12, 2007 by boojum

[A440]

The RH910 uses a NiMH battery. The RH1 uses a Li-Ion battery, which is stronger.

I'm in the middle of a project where I need the Dynamic Normaliser in my RH1, but once I'm done with it I'll try an overnight recording test for you.

[Arni]

The MZ-RH1 internal battery LIP-4WM is awesome.

I recorded a whole HI-MD in HI-SP mode, which is 7h56min. about 9h in HI-SP mode are possible.

PCM-recording needs more power and will end after 6 hours.

Edited February 19, 2007 by Arni

[greenmachine]

The tests for estimating the battery life times from the manufacturer are probably conducted under close to ideal conditions, which means fully charged, well conditioned battery, continuous recording/playback, etc.. In my experience the plug-in power doesn't noticeably affect battery life. With a well conditioned gumstick batt., the RH910's batt. life should be more than sufficient most of the time, with the external batt. attachment it should beat the RH1's max. possible batt. life by far.

NiMH (and NiCD) batteries require more maintenance/care than Li-Ion, otherwise performance will suffer. Read more about battery care here:

http://www.batteryuniversity.com/

It is important to completely discharge Ni-based batteries from time to time to avoid the so-called memory-effect, which will degrade performance.

[cochra1]

The MZ-RH1 internal battery LIP-4WM is awesome.

I recorded a whole HI-MD in HI-SP mode, which is 7h56min. about 9h in HI-SP mode are possible.

PCM-recording needs more power and will end after 6 hours.

That's very impressive. I've just ordered an RH1 and am awaiting delivery. I also ordered a back-up second battery (LIP-4WM).

I was a bit concerned before as to the apparent low capacity of these batteries (370mAh) compared with some rechargable AAs out there (I'm accustomed to my NH600 which lasts for days on a single rechargable AA!), but feel reassured after reading these comments.